Third Annual Light Up Eau Claire Brings Fun Downtown

Lauren Fisher, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

Midnight fireworks in downtown Eau Claire.
Midnight fireworks in downtown Eau Claire.

Downtown Eau Claire will become a hub of New Year’s Eve excitement Dec. 31 during the Light Up Eau Claire event.  Now in its third year, the celebration features live music at multiple downtown venues, a lantern parade, and a grand fireworks show that blasts off from the confluence at Phoenix Park to ring in 2019. The family-friendly festivities are scheduled to run from 10am on Dec. 31 to 1am Jan. 1. Noon Year’s Eve will offer youngsters a chance to make some noise in the afternoon at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. The Micon Downtown Budget Cinema will present free movies from 1-5pm. Fire pits and free hot cocoa will warm guests up at the Barstow Street lot between activities from 6pm until the festivities are concluded. The Lantern Parade, a twinkling stroll down South Barstow Street inspired by Eau Claire’s sister city, Lismore, Australia, will begin at 6pm. And for those who want to get glammed up and dance, the BMO Harris Bank New Year’s Eve Gala will offer a dinner buffet, live entertainment, and a 10-piece show band to get people grooving. Various other events will be keeping downtown busy as Eau Claire says goodbye to 2018. The free downtown fireworks begin at midnight, completing an exciting night of community togetherness. For a full lineup of events and to get tickets, visit LightUpEauClaire.com. 

Light Up Eau Claire • Dec. 31 • Downtown Eau Claire • FREE and ticketed events • Family and 18+ events • LightUpEauClaire.com